Why Investing in RPL Was the Best Decision for My Family’s Future

Superintendent, Coach and Consultant, Amy-Lee Pople, has always been driven by a strong work ethic, a thirst for knowledge, and a passion for leadership. Despite accumulating a wealth of experience across multiple industries, she lacked formal qualifications to reflect her expertise. That changed when she discovered Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) through Churchill Education.

A Career Built on Experience

Amy’s professional journey has been anything but conventional. Originally pursuing a degree in primary education, she quickly realised it wasn’t the right fit. Instead, she found herself immersed in the corporate world, starting with a role in an engineering firm before moving into tendering, project management, and production management.

Her career saw her work with industry giants like Bechtel, Aurizon Coal, and Rio Tinto, taking on roles ranging from transformation lead, project manager to business improvement specialist and Superintendent.

Throughout her career, Amy developed a broad skill set in strategic leadership, program management, asset management, procurement and business improvement.

“I jumped straight into my career and kept going. I didn’t take the time to stop and realise, wow, I’ve actually achieved a lot and gained experience in so many different areas.”

Discovering RPL

While Amy had long been aware of RPL, it wasn’t until she reached a crossroads in her career that she considered it seriously.

She knew she wanted to progress into senior leadership roles with top-tier companies and launch her own consulting business. However, she also recognised that formal qualifications would provide her with the credibility she needed.

“I was at a point where I wanted to step up into senior management or even start consulting, but I knew I needed qualifications behind me to back up my experience and give me the confidence to take that next step.”

When Amy began researching her options, she came across Churchill Education. A simple Google search led her to a process that would ultimately validate her extensive experience and achievements.

The RPL Process: A Reflection of Success

Amy’s approach to gathering evidence for her qualifications was meticulous. She methodically worked through each certification’s criteria, compiling detailed work examples to showcase her capabilities.

“I took each certification one at a time, laid out the criteria in a table, and provided three to five real-world examples for each.”

Amy said she found the process deeply rewarding. Reflecting on her past projects and achievements helped her recognise the depth of her skills and expertise.

“It was exciting to look back and realise, ‘Wow, I actually built this template’ or ‘I led this project.’ It was a confidence boost, and it validated everything I’d worked so hard for.”

Achieving Multiple Qualifications

Through the RPL process, Amy was awarded:

Receiving these qualifications was a proud moment for Amy. She vividly recalls opening the folder containing her qualifications and feeling an immense sense of accomplishment.

“I don’t usually stop to celebrate my achievements—I just keep pushing forward. But when I received my certificates, I was excited. It was the first time I truly stopped to appreciate how far I’d come.”

Making the Decision to Invest in Qualifications

For many, the financial commitment required to obtain qualifications through RPL can be a major consideration. For Amy, the decision to allocate a significant portion of the household budget towards her certifications was one she felt passionate about.

“As a mother, I’ve always prioritised my family’s needs above my own. It’s so easy to put yourself last, ensuring everyone else is taken care of first.

But when I looked at this opportunity, I realised that investing in myself was, in fact, investing in our family’s future.”

She had a candid conversation with her husband about the financial outlay, framing it as a long-term investment rather than an immediate expense.

“I explained to my husband that while this was a substantial financial commitment, the return on investment would be far greater. With these qualifications, I would be eligible for higher-paying leadership roles and have the credibility to grow my own consulting business. It wasn’t just about immediate benefits—it was about securing our future.”

Rather than spending the money on something with fleeting value, like a car or a holiday, Amy saw her qualifications as a lifelong asset.

Churchill Education offers a free RPL appraisal so that you can find out what your options are. Apply Here

“This wasn’t about instant gratification—it was about long-term stability. A car depreciates, a holiday ends, but these qualifications will always be mine. They give me the confidence to take my career wherever I want it to go.”

Ultimately, the decision was made easier by the fact that Amy knew the qualifications were a direct reflection of the skills and experience she had already gained.

“I wasn’t paying for something I needed to learn—I was paying to have my hard-earned experience recognised and validated. That made all the difference.”

The Impact: Confidence and Opportunity

Now, with her qualifications in hand, Amy is in a position of strength. While she loves her current role, she no longer feels pressured to take any opportunity that comes her way. Instead, she’s waiting for the right leadership role while also preparing to expand her consulting business, Pople & Partners.

“I feel settled and confident. I know I don’t have to take just any role—I can wait for the perfect opportunity because I now have the qualifications to back up my experience.”

In addition to her corporate career, Amy also runs two functional fitness gyms with her husband.

Balancing a demanding career, business ownership, and motherhood is no easy feat, but she credits her strong support system and natural drive for making it all possible.

“My husband and I are a great team. We balance everything together, and that’s how I can manage it all.”

Harnessing ADHD as a Superpower

Amy attributes much of her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities to her ADHD, which she considers a superpower.

Her hyperfocus and high energy levels allow her to manage her career, businesses, and family efficiently.

“I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, and for me, it’s an advantage. It gives me the drive to keep pushing forward, to take on multiple projects, and to execute them efficiently. When I see something I want to achieve, I go after it with everything I have.”

Her ability to manage a high-paced career while raising a family and running businesses is a testament to her resilience and strategic mindset.

Advice for Others Considering RPL

For professionals contemplating RPL, Amy’s advice is simple: take the leap.

“There’s no downside. Submit your resume, provide as much information as possible, and let the experts assess your experience. You might be eligible for far more than you think.”

She also emphasises the financial value of RPL, highlighting how the investment in qualifications pays off exponentially in career opportunities and earning potential.

“It’s not like buying a boat or a car—it’s an investment that lasts a lifetime. No one can take these qualifications away from me now, and they’ll continue to open doors for the rest of my career.”

Final Thoughts

Amy Pople’s journey is a testament to the power of experience and the value of RPL.

By transforming her professional achievements into formal qualifications, she has positioned herself for an even brighter future. Her story serves as inspiration for others who have built successful careers through experience but lack the formal credentials to match.

If this is you, find out what you’re eligible for through a free RPL appraisal. Apply here, or call us on 1300 793 002.

“If you’ve gained the knowledge and skills through doing the work, you deserve the qualifications to match. RPL makes that possible.”
– Amy Pople

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